When picking inspiring women, it helps if they’re real
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When 4,000 British ladies were asked by Baileys who they thought the most spirited and inspiring women of all time were, they threw up a curious bunch.
In fact, the top 100 is all a bit depressing. Sure, there are quite rightfully appearances from the likes of Emmeline Pankhurst (3) and Florence Nightingale (7) alongside some fascinating modern-day women, including Hillary Clinton (18) and Vivienne Westwood (19).
But apparently some of those polled struggled to come up with any real-life women who inspired them and were forced to turn to fiction. How encouraging. So we have Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice (11), Gone With the Wind’s Scarlett O’Hara (14), Bridget Jones (15) and Jane Eyre (20) included in the top 20. It’s something that none of the character’s creators, such as Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë, managed to do, despite perhaps being worthier picks.
And without wishing to take anything away from Judi Dench (1) and Helen Mirren (2), who both seem like wonderful women, but if the same people surveyed were asked for their most inspirational men, I would be surprised if two actors took the top spots.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments